Easy to assemble/disassemble adjustable monetary coin-weighted dumbbell

ABSTRACT

This invention is an easily assembled and disassembled exercise dumbbell that derives the majority of its adjustable weight from the addition of monetary coins. The number of coins used determines the weight of the dumbbell, thereby making possible very small incremental increases in the dumbbell&#39;s effective total weight. The weight of the dumbbell&#39;s handle assembly can be multiplied up to nine times in its heaviest dumbbell configuration. Additional weight may be achieved with the use of small metal slugs. Due to the use of a specialized screw head, the dumbbell can be assembled and disassembled with only the use of a coin (no standard screwdriver is necessary). With all coins removed, this dumbbell makes an excellent lightweight travelling companion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Exercise dumbbells have traditionally been a one-piece iron casting with heavier dumbbells strengthened by an internal steel core. More recently, newer adjustable dumbbells have been developed to permit changing the total weight of the dumbbell. Many of these adjustable dumbbells are a smaller version of a standard weightlifting bar in which weight plates slide on to a bar and use a retaining collar or clamp, available in a variety of designs, at each end of the bar to keep the weight plates in place. Other adjustable dumbbells use a single bolt in each end but require a wrench and take more time to change. Another style uses a type of slide-on “U” shaped weight plate.

Precast dumbbells are typically made in 5 pound increments with 3, 8, and 12 pound dumbbells sometimes available. Cast iron dumbbell sets are available in 1 pound increments from 1 to 10 pounds which means 10 sets of dumbbells. Weight plates for adjustable dumbbells are available in 1.25, 2.5, 5, and 10 pound weights which allow the total dumbbell weight to be adjusted in 2.5 pound increments. In children, in the elderly, in the very weak, in balancing out unevenly or poorly developed muscles, and in post-injury/post-illness rehabilitation therapy, smaller increases are more helpful and less likely to become a possible cause of injury from making too great a weight increase at one time.

As a person gains strength, the lighter weight dumbbells are often no longer needed and are left unused and taking up space. Standard dumbbell configurations are heavy, cumbersome, and time consuming to take along when a person relocates his residence. Therefore, dumbbells and weights are often sold at a fraction of original cost or just given away in the stress of moving. Later, when reestablished in a new location, the person finds himself purchasing new dumbbells in order to have the privacy of working out in his own residence.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This exercise dumbbell derives the majority of its weight from monetary coins that are inserted or removed from the coin holding pockets in its core frame. The total weight of the dumbbell is determined by the selection of how many coin holding pockets are filled with coins—from no pockets filled which yields a total weight of only the assembled dumbbell frame, to all coin pockets filled which yields a weight five times greater than the weight of the dumbbell handle assembly by itself and a weight nine times greater if a second pair of coin holders is added to the dumbbell. The shaft, or handle, of the dumbbell frame is formed by a column of similar coins secured by longitudinal tie rods inserted into a pair of end flanges. Each “bell” of the dumbbell is a coin holder(s) in which a number of pockets are filled with coins.

When preparing to travel or to relocate one's residence, one can simply remove all the coins, cash them in at a bank for paper money, and then pack the small and lightweight pieces of the dumbbell frame for moving. Once established in a new location, one only has to obtain new coins and fill the dumbbell to be ready to work out in the privacy of one's own room. The unassembled frame can readily be carried in a woman's large purse, tote bag, or briefcase, or packed in carryon luggage for extended business travel or vacation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the assembled dumbbell frame with two outer coin pockets filled.

FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of the dumbbell handle.

FIG. 3 is an end view of the assembled dumbbell handle.

FIG. 4 is an exploded isometric view of the attachment of the handle flange to the inner cover and coin holder.

FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of the attachment of the medallion/coin and outer cover to the coin holder.

FIG. 6 is top plan view of an assembled dumbbell.

FIG. 7 is a cross section view of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the coin-operated screw.

FIG. 9 is a cross section view of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the dumbbell with a second coin holder at each end.

FIG. 11 is an end view of the coin holder identifying coin pockets and metal slug pockets.

FIG. 12 is an end view of the coin holder showing an example of symmetrically balanced filled coin pockets.

FIG. 13 is an end view of the coin holder showing a second example of symmetrically balanced filled coin pockets.

FIG. 14 is an end view of the coin holder showing a third example of symmetrically balanced filled coin pockets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The bar or handle of this dumbbell is constructed of a column of monetary coins (in this example, United States), all of the same denomination (11A), placed in between two handle flanges (3), one at each end. A series of tie rods (1) secured in the end flanges (3) by tie rod nuts (2) run the length of the coins and hold the coins in place (FIG. 2). As the tie rod nuts (2) are tightened, the flanges (3) are compressed against the coins (11A); the tie rods (1) are placed in tension and the coins (11A) are placed in compression, both forces working together to form the rigidity and strength of the dumbbell handle. The tie rods (1) also form ridges on the hand grip surface that prevent the dumbbell from rotating in the user's hand. This handle assembly (FIGS. 2, 3) is the lightest form in which the dumbbell may be used.

The “bell” of the dumbbell is formed by adding the coin holder (5) and inner and outer covers (4, 6) to each end of the handle. The inner cover (4) is attached to the coin holder (5) with a series of ordinary screws (10) (FIG. 4). The inner cover (4) and the coin holder (5) do not need to be disassembled for travel or storage. The coin holder (5) to which the inner cover (4) is already joined is attached to the handle flange (3) by screws (9). In FIG. 5 the medallion/coin (7) is clamped under the head of the screws (8) against the outer cover (6) which is clamped against the outer side of the coin holder (5) as the screws (8) pass adjacent to the medallion/coin (7), through the outer cover (6) and coin holder (5) to thread securely into the handle flange (3). This double attachment (screws 8 and 9) of the bell to the handle provides the strength needed to support the weight of the bell as coins are added. The inner and outer covers (4, 6) serve to keep the coins contained in the coin holder (5). In this example, the utilization of attachment screws (8, 9) which have a special screw head (FIGS. 8, 9) with a curved slot (9A) designed to match one of the coins removes any need for a screw driver to assemble/disassemble the dumbbell as the recommended coin works very well. The medallion/coin (7) is so named because it can be either a coin or a logo customized medallion. This completes the framework of the dumbbell. With no coins inserted in the coin holder, this configuration is the next lightest form of dumbbell use.

To add weight to the dumbbell framework, remove the outer cover (6), fill the coin pockets of choice (5A, 5B) with coins and replace the outer cover and medallion/coin (6, 7). FIGS. 1, 6, 7 show an assembled dumbbell with some of the coin holder pockets filled. The coin holder (5) has additional slug pockets (5C), located in spaces too small for coins, into which removable solid metal cylindrical slugs (11C) may be inserted to increase the weight of the dumbbell (FIG. 11); however, if the purpose is to have the lightest possible form of the dumbbell for travelling or relocating, then the slugs should be omitted as they would need to accompany the dumbbell thereby increasing the travel weight. The coin and slug pockets (5A, 5B, 5C) are arranged in circular patterns around the center of the coin holder (5) so that, when filling the pockets, a balanced pattern of weight and ease of use can be maintained. With all pockets filled, the weight of the dumbbell is five times greater than the handle assembly alone (FIG. 2).

However, to further increase the weight of the dumbbell, a second coin holder (5) may be added (with longer screws) to each end making a total of two coin holders per end (FIG. 10). When all coin and slug pockets in this configuration are filled, the dumbbell weighs more than nine times the weight of the handle assembly (FIG. 2).

A wide variety of dumbbell weight increments is achieved by simply varying which pockets are filled. This particular version uses two sizes (denominations) of coins and one slug size; however, a number of variations of size and arrangement of coins is possible without affecting the integrity of the design. The effective polygonal shape of the coin holder, with either empty or filled coin pockets, makes the dumbbell less likely to roll when set down on a surface. 

I claim:
 1. An easily assembled and disassembled exercise dumbbell that derives the majority of its adjustable weight from the addition of monetary coins, the number of coins used determining the weight of the dumbbell.
 2. According to claim 1, a dumbbell handle consisting of a column of monetary coins stabilized by longitudinal tie rods, tie rod nuts, and end flanges.
 3. According to claim 1, a coin holder(s) that contains a number of pockets in which monetary coins are placed to provide weight for the dumbbell end or “bell,” and that is attached securely to the handle flange by appropriate screws.
 4. According to claim 1, a coin holder in which, in addition to the coins, removable metal slugs can be inserted into smaller pockets to provide additional weight.
 5. According to claim 1, an inner cover that attaches to the inner side of the coin holder to retain, as needed, the coins and slugs in the coin holder.
 6. According to claim 1, an outer cover (to retain, as needed, the coins and slugs in the coin holder) that is clamped against the outer side of the coin holder by appropriate screws which pass through both the outer cover and the coin holder to fasten securely in the handle flange.
 7. According to claim 1, a medallion/coin (to retain, as needed, the coins in the coin holder) held in place in the outer cover by the head of appropriate screws which pass through both the outer cover and the coin holder to fasten securely in the handle flange.
 8. According to claim 1, a screw with a head slotted to accommodate the use of a coin to satisfactorily drive the screws; the slot being of appropriate width and lower surface configuration so as to conform to the thickness and circumferential curve of the selected coin.
 9. According to claim 1, any variation of design that still maintains the integrity of this invention. 